Hi CD,
depending on the weather, of course, Mayor Island is amazing. SE bay can cut up if there is SE winds but around the corner is NW and Honeymoon Bay as an alternative. The water is crystal clear and lots of areas to snorkel and fish, landing on the island is interesting with a walk that circumnavigates the island (5-6 hr) with a koha ($5 maybe) to be paid if you want to do this. Further on is Whangamata which has a marina that is shallow to enter but if there is no swell anchorage areas are in the southern corner or in the deeper water inshore of the islands. Next is Slipper Is. whe